Frist Time Flyer...some basic Q's

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Okay, we are headed to WDW for the holidays and neither dh or myself have flown as adults. It will be dh, myself, ds (5) & dd (4). We fly out of DTW Detroit on American. What tips can you all offer me? I plan on having the kids each bring their backpacks as carry-on's which will have some fun things for them to do and snacks. We will also have a carry-on with Nintendo DS, portable DVD & Ipod if needed to keep them busy.

We go from Detroit to Chicago then on to MCO...how do I know where to go when we get to Chicago for the next leg of the flight?

We won't be arriving until 11:30ish at MCO and are using ME, but I am concerned about when we'd get our luggage at that time of night. What do you all think about us picking up our own luggage to take on the bus? Is that a big pain? The only thing I have to do is not use the yellow tags right?

How about the return flight? Do we check them at the hotel or just bring on the bus with us?

We are each (4) allowed a carry-on right?

If the flight has drinks/snacks are those for purchase - what are the basic costs of those?

Does American do anything "fun" for the kids anymore - first time flyers? I know when I flew as a child I got -wings-, but with cost cutting I didn't know if anything like that still happened.

Thanks...that is what I can think of right now - I'd really appreciate any and all advice!

Dawn

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

I bought tickets online...what do I do now? Bring my email to a ticket counter at the airport? I've read about checking in online? What is the time frame on that?

Thanks again
Dawn

 

[ducklite]

Okay, we are headed to WDW for the holidays and neither dh or myself have flown as adults. It will be dh, myself, ds (5) & dd (4). We fly out of DTW Detroit on American. What tips can you all offer me? I plan on having the kids each bring their backpacks as carry-on's which will have some fun things for them to do and snacks. We will also have a carry-on with Nintendo DS, portable DVD & Ipod if needed to keep them busy.

Bring headphones for all the electronics, you aren't supposed to use them without headphones.

We go from Detroit to Chicago then on to MCO...how do I know where to go when we get to Chicago for the next leg of the flight?

The gate will be printed on your boarding pass. When you get off the first flight just follow the overhead signs to the next gate. As you walk past the monitors you might want to double check that they haven't changed your gate assignment since your boarding pass was printed.

We won't be arriving until 11:30ish at MCO and are using ME, but I am concerned about when we'd get our luggage at that time of night. What do you all think about us picking up our own luggage to take on the bus? Is that a big pain? The only thing I have to do is not use the yellow tags right?

Yes, if you do'tn put the yellow tags on your bag you'll jsut pick them up and take them to the bus with you. Be prepared to tip the driver $1-2 per bag for laoding them for you, and if you use a Skycap to tag them to the DME area for you, that will be an additional $1-2 per.

The other option is to pack basic needs for that night in your carry on's and tell the resort you do'nt want your bags delivered until teh next morning.

How about the return flight? Do we check them at the hotel or just bring on the bus with us?

I'm pretty sure American particiaptes in the BAGS check-in program. I'm sure someone else can helpw itht aht one.

We are each (4) allowed a carry-on right?

Yes. One backpack/small duffle tupe carryon as well as a small personal item such as a handbag or briefcase.

If the flight has drinks/snacks are those for purchase - what are the basic costs of those?

They are complimentary, alcohol may be purchased, I think going rate is $5 for abeer/wine/one counce bottle of spirits with set-ups.

Does American do anything "fun" for the kids anymore - first time flyers? I know when I flew as a child I got -wings-, but with cost cutting I didn't know if anything like that still happened.

Can't help on that one.

Anne